The Bearded Turtle – Dinner Review
Tarpon Springs has a new restaurant that’s already generating buzz. Recently opened, The Bearded Turtle offers a lively atmosphere, multiple bar areas, and a stylish setting that immediately catches your attention.
We recently stopped in for dinner to see what the experience was like, and it turned out to be a very enjoyable evening.
Foodie Mob Quick Look
Restaurant: The Bearded Turtle
Location: Tarpon Springs, Florida
What We Tried: Aegean Sea Pasta with grilled chicken, Dockside Steak Bites
Vibe: Classy and lively with multiple bars, a pool area, and an outdoor deck
Foodie Mob Take: A very promising new restaurant with great atmosphere and flavorful dishes.
What We Ordered
I ordered the Aegean Sea Pasta, made with pappardelle, roasted garlic, tomatoes, spinach, and seasonal vegetables in a white wine sauce. I added grilled chicken to the dish, which paired well with the sauce’s bright flavors. The pasta was very tasty and well-balanced, with the roasted garlic and vegetables adding plenty of flavor.
My wife ordered the Dockside Steak Bites, tenderloin bites served with blue cheese crumbles and drizzled with balsamic, with horseradish mayo on the side. She described the dish as excellent, with the steak cooked well and the combination of flavors working together nicely.
Foodie Mob Quick Take
What We Tried
- Aegean Sea Pasta with grilled chicken
- Dockside Steak Bites with blue cheese crumbles and balsamic drizzle
Standout Dish
The Dockside Steak Bites were impressive with tender steak and bold flavors from the balsamic and blue cheese.
Overall Impression
Flavorful dishes and a strong first impression from one of Tarpon Springs’ newest dining spots.
The Vibe
One of the things that stands out most about The Bearded Turtle is the atmosphere. The property offers several different spaces to enjoy.
Outside, there’s a pool area and an outdoor bar that creates a fun, relaxed setting. Inside, the restaurant features a beautiful bar area, and upstairs, there’s another gorgeous bar and an outdoor deck.
The overall vibe feels lively yet classy, making it a great place to enjoy a meal, drinks, or simply spend time with friends.
Final Thoughts
Being open for only about 30 days, The Bearded Turtle is still new to the Tarpon Springs dining scene, but our visit showed great promise.
The food was flavorful, the setting was impressive, and the overall experience made for a very enjoyable night out.
While it may be too early to call it a Pinellas Pick, this restaurant definitely has the potential to earn that distinction as it continues to settle in.
For now, it stands as a strong addition to the Tarpon Springs restaurant scene and a place worth checking out.
Would I go back? Yes!
This one stands out for the right reasons — flavor, atmosphere, and overall execution.
Restaurant Info
- Restaurant: The Bearded Turtle
- Location: Tarpon Springs
- Cuisine: American / Seafood
- Price Range: $$ (Moderate)
- Best For: Casual dining with a slightly elevated feel
- Foodie Mob Tip: A fun spot to try a variety of dishes — great for a relaxed meal with options.
If you’re exploring restaurants around Tarpon Springs, you may also want to check out our other reviews at Tarpon Springs Archives – Foodie Mob.
💰 Foodie Mob Price Guide
$ = Budget (under $15 per person)
$$ = Moderate ($15–$30 per person)
$$$ = Higher-end ($30+ per person)
